Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement With Vocal

Description: Ballad - Medium Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

This arrangement of the traditional Christmas song O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) was recorded by Frank Sinatra on August 8, 1946. This recording, along with others that were recorded both before and after this date, were bundled together by Columbia Records and originally released as a 78 rpm set titled Christmas Songs by Sinatra in 1948. Although Axel Stordahl conducted this recording session and is credited with the arrangement, it was actually arranged by Earle Hagen. At the time Hagen was a staff composer and arranger for 20th Century Fox in Hollywood.

Hagen arranged a wonderful backdrop for Sinatra's warm vocal. Complete with swirling harp, tremolo strings, and triumphant brass the arrangement sets an inviting landscape for the vocal entrance. The ensemble should be soft and gentle throughout allowing the vocalist to shine. The conductor is encouraged to play with the tempo especially around the rallentandos and allow the ensemble to breath quasi rubato. The arrangement calls for a celeste; however, if one is not available the part should be played 8va on piano.

The arrangement begins with a pickup beat that appears to not have been played. It is possible that it was played but edited out later as there are no notations on the original music indicating that it was to be cut. So, it has been included here and may be played at the discretion of the conductor. In addition, there is a 4-bar celeste solo ending that was not played for the recording. This has also been included in the publication and may be played if desired.

This publication has been based on Earle Hagen's pencil score and the original set of parts used during the recording session - this is not a transcription.

 

 

Full Score
Vocal
Woodwind 1: Piccolo/Flute
Woodwind 2: Oboe
Woodwind 3: Clarinet
Woodwind 4: Clarinet
Woodwind 5: Bass Clarinet
3 Trumpets
Horn in F
3 Trombones
3 Violins
Viola
Cello
Harp
Celeste
Bass
Percussion: Chimes

Vocal Key: F